In what could well be a first in Arab TV broadcasting, Al Jazeera Channel has finalised a Code of Ethics guided by a transparent Vision and Mission Statement.
The document, which will be made public in the next few days, states unequivocally the satellite channel’s professional beliefs and standards. Foremost is Al Jazeera’s intent to adhere to professional core values, distinguish between what is news and what is opinion and analysis, and monitor its output acknowledging unintended mistakes if and when it occurs and ensuring it does not recur.
Defining Al Jazeera as an “Arab media service with global orientation”, the Code re-emphasises its motto of “The One and the Other Opinion”. It further asserts the Channel’s position as a “forum for pluralism, seeking the truth while observing the principles of professionalism within an institutional framework”.
The Code of Ethics, as well as the Vision and Mission Statement, were the result of exhaustive meetings held over a period of months by Al Jazeeras Editorial Board and discussions that invited views from all the Channels employees. The firm conviction has always been that any media organisation has to be responsible towards the environment in which, and with which it interacts, and consequently it is imperative that there should be clear and transparent communication.
Waddah Khanfar, Channel Director, said that the Code is one way of putting our vision and mission statement into action. Al Jazeera has always endeavoured to promote public awareness of issues of concern. Khanfar further pointed out that one of the Codes articles stipulates: “Al Jazeera aspires to be a bridge between peoples and cultures to support the right of the individual to acquire knowledge and strengthen the values of tolerance, democracy and respect for liberties and human rights”.
The Code also stresses that professional considerations are sacrosanct, and thus have priority over political and commercial concerns. Consequently, virtues such as honesty, courage, fairness, balance and independence are but few of Al Jazeera’s core professional values.
The announcement of the Code of Ethics coincides with the launch of Al Jazeera World Forums first annual conference to be held in Doha on 12-13 July 2004. The title of the conference, which around 120 Arab and Western journalists are expected to attend, is Changing Media Perceptions: Professionalism & Cultural Diversity.
The AIB is attending the Doha conference and AIB members will receive a briefing about the event.
Al Jazeera is a Platinum Member of the AIB